Dear friends, Six years is a long time. Over the last six years, I've been privileged to be a part of so many things with you. And I'm proud of what we've done together. For the last six years, I've been a part of things that will excite me until the day that I die - the things that, together, we did in service of that phrase - "the sum of human knowledge" - were magical. I'll never forget them, and I've been honored to be a part of this movement. But it's time for me to move on. As many of you know, for the last couple of years, I've struggled with my health. I've come to the unpleasant realization that for my own good, I need to step back and focus on healing, and then look around for new and exciting opportunities. When Sue left, she said that her decision process included looking around and taking stock of the people and the condition of the Foundation, and asking herself "Is it safe? If I leave, is it safe?" and when she knew it was, she began to consider the idea. I've been doing the same, obviously focused on projects and programs that are important to me. And I look around and I know that with the contributors that we have - brilliant, dedicated, passionate people.... and the staff that we have - dynamic, talented, devoted, and fearless.... it's safe. So it's time for me to move on, and to leave it to them. As a housekeeping note: I've agreed with Luis that I'll be available until 9/15, though I'll be out on medical leave, so may be slow to answer questions. If I owe you something, please remind me so that we can get it properly assigned out. You can all reach out to me at any time... philippe(a)beaudette.me.... and any time I see you will be a celebration. With my deepest affection, Philippe *Philippe Beaudette * \\ Director, Community Advocacy \\ Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. T: 1-415-839-6885 x6643 | philippe(a)wikimedia.org | : @Philippewiki <https://twitter.com/Philippewiki>